Text Message Entry of a Remote Contest Using Participation Code Awarded at a Local Arcade Game

ABSTRACT

An arcade game is disclosed that includes receiving one or more game credits, beginning the arcade game in response to receiving the game credits, and awarding a participation code to a player for a remote contest in response to the player beginning the game, or unsuccessfully or successfully completing one or more objectives of the game. The participation code awarded to the player is entered using a text message.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to arcade games, and, more particularly, to arcade games that award players contest codes for entry in a remote contest via text message.

BACKGROUND

Prize-dispensing arcade games, also known in the art as redemption arcade games, are popular entertainment machines that are commonly found in arcades, malls, theaters, restaurants, theme parks, and other locations with large concentrations of people. These machines typically display objects, such as stuffed animals, trinkets, electronic devices, and other desirable prizes, inside a game cabinet and are clearly visible to those who pass by. Usually, these objects are offered as prizes to a player who wins or accomplishes some predetermined objective of the game. Typically, a player will insert a game credit, which may be some form of monetary credit, token, or the like to play the game. The player then plays the game and attempts to accomplish the predetermined objective in order to win the game. If the player is successful, a prize is typically immediately awarded to the player through a door or compartment in the game cabinet.

The prizes that the operator of a prize-dispensing arcade game can provide in the game machine are usually limited in selection. The physical size of the prize is limited to the space available in the game cabinet and the size of the prize door in which the winning player receives his prize. Also, the technology of the game machine may limit what the game operator can offer as prizes. The machine should be able to dispense the prize to a winning player. If a prize is the wrong shape, weight, or texture, the game machine may not be able to properly dispense the prize to the winning player through the prize door.

Operators of prize-dispensing arcade games are also often limited in the value of the prizes offered in the game machine. Typically, these game machines are constructed of glass, plastic, or other transparent materials that allow for the prizes to be readily visible to those who pass by. These materials, however, offer limited security against theft of the prizes physically located in the machine. A thief could easily break the transparent material and steal the prizes displayed in the machine. Also, these game machines typically contain a door or other means to allow the operator to gain access to the contents of the machine in order to load prizes, retrieve monetary credits, or service the machine. These doors or other access means offer the potential thief an additional way by which to break into the machine and steal the displayed prizes. Thus, when placed in areas that are not regularly monitored, this construction restricts the operator to displaying only low-valued prizes and those with a low probability of being stolen.

Higher-valued prizes are typically limited to game machines that are placed in areas that have regular and consistent monitoring. Moreover, some game operators may desire to awards prizes that are valued at a percentage of the cost of play. These game machines would have prizes of varying values, some of which may be high-valued prizes. Therefore, depending on whether a game machine offers low-valued prizes, high-valued prizes, mixed-value prizes (such as in minor/major prize redemption games), or some other combination of prizes, a game operator will consider various options when determining where to place the game machine.

Another problem with typical prize-dispensing arcade games is that if the player does not win the game, he will not receive any prize and will walk away empty-handed. Because most prize-dispensing games are setup to generate a profit for the operator, the majority of players will fall into this category. Only a small minority of players will actually be allowed to win the game and receive a prize. This can have a negative effect on some players and ultimately impact the revenue for the operator.

One solution to the aforementioned problems is to award tickets or the like for the redemption of additional prizes. In this solution, the game machine dispenses tickets to the player at the conclusion of the game. The number of tickets awarded is usually proportional to how well the player performed in the game. The player then collects the tickets and redeems them at a prize redemption center in the immediate area. This prize center typically contains prizes of varying value. The more valuable the prize, the more tickets are required to purchase the prize. One problem with this solution is that it requires a large initial investment by the operator to setup and maintain a ticketing system for the redemption of prizes. The operator generally equips the game machines with ticket dispensers and constructs the prize redemption center in an area that is accessible to the players. In addition, the prize centers typically require staffing by at least one employee who accepts the tickets and dispenses the prizes. This creates an ongoing operating expense that may be undesirable or unprofitable to the typical game operator.

The ticket redemption solution is also generally not desirable to the typical game player. This solution requires the player to accumulate and maintain a collection of tickets to be redeemed at a later time. This places a large encumbrance on the player to maintain an accurate count of the amount of tickets he owns. The player also stores the tickets until he wishes to redeem them. These requirements place a large burden on the player and may discourage many players from paying to play the operator's games. Participation and overall revenues suffer as a result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus for awarding a player of an arcade game an opportunity to win a prize is provided which substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method for an arcade game that includes receiving one or more game credits, beginning the arcade game in response to receiving the credits, where the arcade game has an ultimate objective associated with one or more prizes. It also includes awarding a participation code to a player for a remote contest in response to the player unsuccessfully completing the ultimate objective, where the participation code is entered by the player using a text message.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an arcade game is made up of a processor, a game operable to run on the processor, a receptacle in communication with the processor operable to accept one or more game credits, and a code dispensing unit in communication with the processor operable to dispense a contest code to a player for a remote contest when a predetermined criteria of the game is satisfied. The user then enters the contest code using at text message.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a game system made up of a central server, comprising a central processor and a central memory, and one or more arcade games, comprising a local processor and a local memory, where the arcade games are in communication with the central server and award prizes locally to one or more players when those players successfully complete an objective of a game. There is also a plurality of contest entry codes stored in the central memory and the local memory and a remote contest operable on the central server, where some of the contest entry codes are given to additional players when those additional players are unsuccessful at completing the objective, and a communication interface at the central server, where the awarded contest codes are received via a text message from the players who received the contest codes. There is also code operable on the central server for conducting a contest using the contest codes received at the communication interface.

In accordance with another representative embodiment of the present invention, there is a computer program product having a computer readable medium with computer program logic recorded thereon. The computer program product includes code for receiving one or more game credits, code for beginning an arcade game in response to receiving the game credits, and code for awarding a participation code to a player for a remote contest in response to the player unsuccessfully completing the ultimate objective. The arcade game has at least one ultimate objective that is associated with one or more prizes. Moreover, the players who receive the participation codes enter those codes by text messaging them.

An advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that players who pay to play the arcade game will not walk away empty-handed. In situations where typical arcade games end and leave the player without a prize, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides the player with a contest code that allows the player to compete in a contest for another prize.

A further advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that an operator of the arcade game will be able to entice more players to play the game by offering players a contest code to compete in another contest. The operator will be able to offer larger and more expensive prizes to the winner of the contest than he would normally be able to display offer as prizes in the game machine itself. As a result, players will be enticed to play the game more often than a typical prize-dispensing arcade game and the operator's profits will increase.

It should be noted that the referenced advantages apply to certain embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments may include one, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prize-redemption arcade game in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a prize-redemption arcade game in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a prize redemption arcade game in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for awarding a player of an arcade game an opportunity to win a prize in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a networked prize-redemption arcade gaming system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer system adapted to use embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The making and using of the presently preferred embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

The present invention will be described with respect to preferred embodiments in a specific context, namely a prize-dispensing arcade game. The invention may also be applied, however, to other arcade games and entertainment systems.

With reference now to FIG. 1, there is shown prize-dispensing arcade game 10. Arcade game 10 consists of electronic display board 100 that is physically located inside arcade game 10 behind transparent display panels 104. Transparent display panels 104 are constructed of plastic, glass, or any material that allows a person to view electronic display board 100 and the other contents located inside arcade game 10.

Electronic display board 100 is electronically coupled to game computer 108 (shown though a cut-out of arcade game 10) located within arcade game 10. Game computer 108 contains gaming software that, among other things, controls what is displayed on electronic display board 100. A user control/input device 101 is physically located on the outside of arcade game 10 and is electronically coupled to game computer 108. User control/input device 101 allows a player to control the actions of the game, as displayed on electronic display board 100, and may consist of user interface items, such as buttons, joysticks, touch-pads, and the like.

A player wishing to play arcade game 10 first inserts the proper game credits into arcade game 10 via credit receptacle 102. Credit receptacle 102 is coupled to game computer 108 and is capable of accepting game credits, such as coins, paper money, tokens, pre-paid gaming cards, credit cards, and the like. Once a player inserts the required amount of credits into credit receptacle 102, game computer 108 begins the game and the player gains control of the game via control/input device 101.

Arcade game 10 is a prize-redemption arcade game and, therefore, contains mechanisms for displaying and dispensing prizes to players. Arcade game 10 contains prize arms 103 that are located behind transparent display panels 104. Prize arms 103 provide a location in which the operator can display various prizes such as electronics, stuffed animals, candy, and the like that players will attempt to win by playing arcade game 10. Prize arms 103 are electronically coupled to game computer 108. If a player accomplishes a predetermined objective of the game, game computer 108 will instruct the appropriate prize arm to release a prize. The prize will then fall into prize funnel 105. Prize funnel 105 is connected to prize receptacle 106. Prize receptacle 106 is located with access to the outside of arcade game 10 and is, thus, accessible to the player of the game.

Code dispenser 107 is also included on the outside of arcade game 10. Code dispenser 107 is electrically coupled to game computer 108 and is capable of issuing a contest entry code to the player. Code dispenser 107 may be a printer, a display screen, or anything that is capable of communicating a code or message to the player that will enable the player to compete in a remote contest for a prize.

In operation, arcade game 10 is typically located in high-traffic areas or locations where there are large concentrations of people seeking entertainment. Such locations include arcades, malls, theaters, restaurants, theme parks, bars, and the like. The operator of arcade game 10 entices players to play the game by displaying various prizes inside the machine on prize arms 103. These prizes are clearly visible through transparent display panels 104 to all who pass by. Once a player decides to play arcade game 10 and tries to win one of the displayed prizes, he inserts the game credit into credit receptacle 102. This action triggers game computer 108 to begin the game and display the appropriate image on electronic display board 100. This also enables user control/input device 101 and allows the player to control the gameplay.

In one embodiment of the gaming software located in game computer 108, the player is presented with one objective. Depending on the value of the prizes being offered or the desire of the game provider, the game objective may be easy or difficult to accomplish. Once the player accomplishes the objective, the game computer ends the game instance and instructs one of prize arms 103 to release a prize. The prize drops to prize funnel 105 and ultimately to receptacle 106 where the player retrieves it. However, if the player is not successful at accomplishing the game objective, game computer 108 instructs code dispenser 107 to present the player with a contest entry code. The player can then communicate this code via text message to a specified location in order to be entered into a remote contest or game for a different prize.

In another embodiment of the gaming software located in game computer 108, the player is presented with one objective. Again, depending on the value of the prizes being offered or the desire of the game provider, the game objective may be easy or difficult to accomplish. When the player deposits his or her game tokens to begin the game, the gaming software in game computer 108 instructs code dispenser 107 to present the player with a contest entry code. The player may then enter this code, via text message, to the appropriate remote game managing entity. Thus, regardless of whether the player is successful in meeting the objective or not, he or she has an opportunity to win a prize associated with a remote game or contest. In this example game, the player has an opportunity to play for a local prize and a remote prize.

It should be noted that various text messaging protocols may be used including, short messaging service (SMS), enhanced messaging service, (EMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), short message peer-to-peer protocol (SMPP), or the like. The various embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific text messaging format.

Arcade game 10, as previously described, offers an advantage over typical prize-redemption games because the typical player does not walk away empty-handed. There are two main outcomes the typical player of arcade game 10 will experience. First, the player who accomplishes the objective is awarded one of the prizes displayed in arcade game 10. Second, if the player fails to accomplish the objective of the game, the player will receive a contest entry code that will enable him to compete in a contest for another prize.

With reference now to FIG. 2A, there is shown another embodiment of a prize-dispensing arcade game 20. Arcade game 20 is similar in function to arcade game 10, as previously described in reference to FIG. 1. Like arcade game 10 (FIG. 1), arcade game 20 contains electronic display board 100, transparent display panels 104, game computer 108 (shown in a cut-out view of arcade game 20), user control/input device 101, credit receptacle 102, and prize arms 103. Arcade game 20, however, contains two larger prize receptacles 200. This allows arcade game 20 to accommodate more and larger prizes that the player may compete for. This illustrates that the present invention is not limited to a particular form factor or configuration. There are many changes and modifications that can be made herein that are within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, arcade game 20 may operate a multi-level, multi-objective game in contrast to arcade game 10 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating prize-dispensing arcade game 21 configured according to one embodiment of the present invention. Arcade game 21 is similar in function to arcade games 10 and 20, as previously described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Like arcade game 10 (FIG. 1), arcade game 21 contains transparent display panels 104, game computer 108 (not shown), user control/input device 101, credit receptacle 102, and code dispenser 107. The prizes of arcade game 21 are different than those of arcade games 10 and 20 (FIGS. 1 & 2). Therefore, arcade game 21 prize tower 201. The player may see the item that he or she is playing for. In some embodiments, prize tower 201 may be integrated into the play of the game in some fashion.

In operation according to the currently-described embodiment of the present invention, if a user fails to win a prize from arcade game 21, an entry code is awarded at code dispenser 107. The user may then send this code into the remote prize manager via text message in order to have a chance to participate in another, remote game.

It should be noted that in additional and/or alternative embodiments of the present invention, the user may receive an entry code at code dispenser 107 simply for playing, whether or not the player wins or loses.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating example steps of multi-level game process 30 that are executed to implement one embodiment of the present invention. In step 300, a player inserts the game credits to play the game. In step 301, the game is played with the player attempting to first accomplish one or more of the intermediate objectives of the game. A determination is made in step 302 whether the player accomplished the intermediate objective. If so, the player is given a choice, in step 303, of accepting a minor prize or forfeiting the minor prize to continue playing the game for a chance to win a major prize. Otherwise, if the player did not accomplish the intermediate objective, the game either ends in step 312, or, alternatively, step 313 may be chosen which executes step 311 to dispense a contest entry code to the player, before the game ends in step 312.

When the player is given a choice to accept or decline the minor prize in step 303, a determination is then made, in step 304, whether the player accepted or declined the minor prize. If the player accepted, the minor prize is then dispensed to the player in step 305. The game then ends in step 312. If the player declined the minor prize, however, a determination is made, in step 306, whether the player has reached the ultimate goal of the game. If not, the game moves to the next intermediate level, in step 307, where game play is continued, in step 301, with the process of steps 302 and following are repeated. If the player has reached the ultimate objective of the game, the game is continued, in step 308.

A determination is then made, in step 309, whether the player successfully accomplished the ultimate objective of the game. If so, the major prize is dispensed, in step 310, after which the game will end in step 312. Otherwise, if the player fails to accomplish the ultimate objective, a contest entry code is dispensed to the player in step 311, after which the game ends in step 312.

If the player of the arcade game fails to accomplish the intermediate objective, the default outcome of the game would be that the player would not receive any prize or contest entry code from the machine. However, in additional and/or alternative embodiments of the present invention, the operator may choose to award a contest entry code to the player in this situation as well, as illustrated in alternative step 313. This option would cover most possible outcomes of the multi-level game and guarantee every player would walk away from the arcade game with something, even if that something is another chance to win a prize through a remote contest.

In a further additional and/or alternative embodiment of the present invention, the contest entry code may be offered to the player as a minor prize. The rules of the game would be similar to that just described except the operator could offer a contest entry code as an additional minor prize choice or simply as the only minor prize choice in the game machine.

With reference now to FIG. 4, there is shown networked arcade gaming system 40, configured according to one embodiment of the present invention. Arcade gaming system 40 consists of one or more arcade games 400-402, communications device 405, central server 406, network 403, and players 404A-D. Arcade games 400-402 and communications device 405 are connected to network 403. Central server 406 is connected to communications device 405, which is illustrated as a separated device, but could also be physically located inside central server 406. Players 404A-D communicate with network 403 via communications link 407, such as a telephone line, a network cable, or the like. Players 404A-D communicate by various means including text messaging, the internet, cell phones, ordinary phones, and the like.

Arcade games 400-402 may operate various different games or game types. For purposes of this example, arcade game 400 operates a multi-level game, as described in FIG. 3, while arcade games 401-402 operate a single-level game, as described with respect to FIG. 1.

In operation, player 404B plays arcade game 400 that is physically located in a location remote from central server 406. Arcade game 400 receives a contest entry code from central server 406 via network 403 either before any games are played on Arcade game 400 or when certain criteria are met in the game played by player 404B. Arcade game 400 dispenses the contest entry code to player 404B when the appropriate game conditions have been met and communicates with central server 406 to record that the contest entry code was issued to player 404B.

It should be noted that in additional and/or alternative embodiments of the present invention, arcade games 400-402 may generate the contest entry codes locally. Once generated and dispensed, arcade games 400-402 would then communicate the dispensed codes or all of the locally generated codes plus a record of which ones were dispensed to central server 406.

When player 404B receives a contest entry code from arcade game 400, he or she then communicates the entry code to central server 406. Player 404B sends the contest code to central server 406 via a text message using any communications media available to player 404B that is capable of transmitting a text message, such as the internet, mobile telephone, or the like. Assuming for purposes of this example, players 404A, C, and D each played a game on one or more of arcade games 400-402 and also received contest entry codes, which they communicated to central server 406.

After a predetermined amount of time, software running on central server 406 retrieves the record of entry codes that were communicated either by players 404A-D or games 400-402 and conducts a contest. Depending on the type of contest being run, the contest software selects one or more of the submitted entry codes as winning entry codes. In this example, player 404B submitted a winning entry code and is awarded a prize.

The program or code segments making up the various embodiments of the present invention may be stored in a computer readable medium or transmitted by a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave, or a signal modulated by a carrier, over a transmission medium. The “computer readable medium” may include any medium that can store or transfer information. Examples of the computer readable medium include an electronic circuit, a semiconductor memory device, a ROM, a flash memory, an erasable ROM (EROM), a floppy diskette, a compact disk CD-ROM, an optical disk, a hard disk, a fiber optic medium, a radio frequency (RF) link, and the like. The computer data signal may include any signal that can propagate over a transmission medium such as electronic network channels, optical fibers, air, electromagnetic, RF links, and the like. The code segments may be downloaded via computer networks such as the Internet, Intranet, and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates computer system 500 adapted to use embodiments of the present invention, e.g. storing and/or executing software associated with the embodiments. Central processing unit (CPU) 501 is coupled to system bus 502. The CPU 501 may be any general purpose CPU. However, embodiments of the present invention are not restricted by the architecture of CPU 501 as long as CPU 501 supports the inventive operations as described herein. Bus 502 is coupled to random access memory (RAM) 503, which may be SRAM, DRAM, or SDRAM. ROM 504 is also coupled to bus 502, which may be PROM, EPROM, or EEPROM. RAM 503 and ROM 504 hold user and system data and programs as is well known in the art.

Bus 502 is also coupled to input/output (I/O) controller card 505, communications adapter card 511, user interface card 508, and display card 509. The I/O adapter card 505 connects storage devices 506, such as one or more of a hard drive, a CD drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, to computer system 500. The I/O adapter 505 is also connected to a printer (not shown), which would allow the system to print paper copies of information such as documents, photographs, articles, and the like. Note that the printer may be a printer (e.g., dot matrix, laser, and the like), a fax machine, scanner, or a copier machine.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, many of the features and functions discussed above can be implemented in software, hardware, or firmware, or a combination thereof. As another example, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the form, shape, and appearance may be varied while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

1. A method for an arcade game comprising: receiving one or more game credits; beginning said arcade game in response to said receiving, wherein said arcade game has an ultimate objective associated with one or more prizes; and awarding a participation code to a player for a remote contest in response to said player unsuccessfully completing said ultimate objective, wherein said participation code is entered by said player using a text message.
 2. The method of claim 1; wherein said arcade game provides a sequence of levels having increasing difficulty up to said ultimate objective; wherein play continues contingent upon successful completion of a prior level in said sequence; and wherein said participation code is awarded in response to said player unsuccessfully completing one or more of said sequence of levels.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: presenting a choice to said player after each successfully completed level of said sequence of levels to either locally receive one of said one or more prizes or continue play of said arcade game, wherein said choice is presented after each successfully completed level except a final level of said sequence of levels corresponding to said ultimate objective; and in response to receiving player input to receive said one of said one or more prizes, releasing said one locally at said arcade game, wherein said one of said one or more prizes corresponds to said successfully completed level.
 4. The method of claim 2 further comprising: presenting a choice to said player after each successfully completed level of said sequence of levels to either receive one of said one or more prizes or continue play of said arcade game, wherein said choice is presented after each successfully completed level except a final level of said sequence of levels; and in response to receiving player input to receive said one of said one or more prizes, offering an option to said player to either receive said participation code or receive said one of said one or more prizes locally at said arcade game, wherein said one of said one or more prizes corresponds to said successfully completed level.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said text message is communicated using one of: short messaging service (SMS); enhanced messaging service (EMS); multimedia messaging service (MMS); or short message peer-to-peer protocol (SMPP).
 6. An arcade game, comprising: a processor; a game operable to run on said processor; a receptacle in communication with said processor operable to accept one or more game credits; and a code dispensing unit in communication with said processor operable to dispense a contest code to a player for a remote contest when a predetermined criteria of said game is satisfied, wherein said contest code is entered using at text message.
 7. The arcade game of claim 6, wherein said predetermined criteria comprise one or more of: successfully completing an objective of said game; successfully completing an intermediate objective while failing to complete an ultimate objective of a multi-level game; failing to successfully complete an objective of said game; failing to successfully complete an ultimate object of said multi-level game; and entry of said one or more game credits.
 8. The arcade game of claim 7, wherein said game comprises a multi-level game.
 9. The arcade game of claim 8, wherein said game comprises: a first objective that said player attempts to meet in order to win a first associated prize; and one or more subsequent objectives that said player attempts to meet in order to win one or more subsequent associated prizes, the one or more subsequent objectives coming after said player meets said first objective.
 10. The arcade game of claim 9, wherein said predetermined criteria comprises either: said player meeting said first objective but not meeting a first of said one or more subsequent objectives; or said player meeting one of said one or more subsequent objectives but not meeting a next one of said one or more subsequent objectives.
 11. The arcade game of claim 6, wherein said one or more credits comprise one or more of: money; tokens; tickets; credit cards; and pre-paid gaming cards.
 12. The arcade game of claim 6 further comprising: a user input interface for receiving user input for playing said game.
 13. The arcade game of claim 6 wherein said text message is communicated using one of: short messaging service (SMS); enhanced messaging service (EMS); multimedia messaging service (MMS); or short message peer-to-peer protocol (SMPP).
 14. A game system comprising: a central server comprising a central processor and a central memory; one or more arcade games each comprising a local processor and a local memory, wherein said one or more arcade games are in communication with said central server, and wherein said one or more arcade games awards prizes locally to one or more players when said one or more players successfully completes an objective of a game operating locally on said one or more arcade games; a plurality of contest entry codes stored in said central memory and said local memory, wherein said one or more arcade games awards ones of said plurality of contest entry codes to one or more players; a remote contest operable on said central server; a communication interface at said central server, wherein said ones of said plurality of contest codes are received at said communication interface by a text message from said one or more players; and code operable on said central server for conducting a contest using said ones of said plurality of contest codes received at said communication interface.
 15. The game system of claim 14 wherein said one or more arcade games awards ones of said plurality of contest entry codes locally to one or more players when said one or more arcade games receives one or more game tokens from said one or more players.
 16. The game system of claim 14, wherein ones of said plurality of contest entry codes are given to one or more additional players of said one or more players when said one or more additional players are unsuccessful at completing said objective.
 17. The game system of claim 16; wherein said objective of said game includes a plurality of levels; wherein ones of said prizes are offered to said one or more players for successfully completing one of said plurality of levels.
 18. The game system of claim 15 wherein said prizes awarded locally to said one or more players have increasing value according to a correspond level of said one or more levels of said game.
 19. The game system of claim 14 wherein said plurality of contest codes is communicated from said central server to said one or more arcade games
 20. The game system of claim 14 wherein said text message received at said communication interface is formatted according to one or: short messaging service (SMS); enhanced messaging service (EMS); multimedia messaging service (MMS); or short message peer-to-peer protocol (SMPP).
 21. A computer program product having a computer readable medium with computer program logic recorded thereon, said computer program product comprising: code for receiving one or more game credits; code for beginning an arcade game in response to said code for receiving, wherein said arcade game has an ultimate objective associated with one or more prizes; and code for awarding a participation code to a player for a remote contest, wherein said participation code is entered by said player using a text message.
 22. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein said code for awarding is in response to said player unsuccessfully completing said ultimate objective
 23. The computer program product of claim 21; wherein said arcade game provides a sequence of levels having increasing difficulty up to said ultimate objective; wherein play continues contingent upon successful completion of a prior level in said sequence; and wherein said participation code is awarded in response to said player unsuccessfully completing one or more of said sequence of levels.
 24. The computer program product of claim 23 further comprising: code for presenting a choice to said player after each successfully completed level of said sequence of levels to either receive a prize from said one or more prizes locally or continue play of said arcade game, wherein said choice is presented after each successfully completed level except a final level of said sequence of levels; and code, operable in response to receiving player input to receive said prize, for releasing said prize locally at said arcade game, wherein said prize corresponds to said successfully completed level.
 25. The computer program product of claim 23 further comprising: code for presenting a choice to said player after each successfully completed level of said sequence of levels to either receive a prize from said one or more prizes or continue play of said arcade game, wherein said choice is presented after each successfully completed level except a final level of said sequence of levels; and code, operable in response to receiving player input to receive said prize, for offering an option to said player to either receive said participation code or receive said prize locally at said arcade game, wherein said prize corresponds to said successfully completed level.
 26. The computer program product of claim 21 wherein said text message is communicated using one of: short messaging service (SMS); enhanced messaging service (EMS); multimedia messaging service (MMS); or short message peer-to-peer protocol (SMPP). 